Harry Winks is set for an England recall after being given personal assurances about his international future by Gareth Southgate.

Southgate called Winks after dropping him from the Nations League finals squad in the summer to emphasise that he is a central part of England’s long term plans.

Three Lions boss Southgate will name an enlarged squad on Thursday for the Euro 2020 qualifiers with Bulgaria and Kosovo and it is likely to signal a mini shake-up.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is set for a call-up, James Maddison is likely to get a recall after his impressive form for Leicester while Burnley ’s Nick Pope could also get the nod third choice keeper with Stoke’s Jack Butland to drop out.

Southgate has also kept tabs on Liverpool ’s fit-again Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and made a trip to Spain to watch Kieran Trippier but their inclusion may depend on fitness calls on other players.

(Image: Getty Images)

Tottenham midfielder Winks has started the season in good form and England No.2 Steve Holland admitted he is “a player we have been very much waiting for in that kind of position.”

Winks missed out on the Nations League finals in June as he was recovering from surgery but still played in the Champions League final and therefore his absence for England was a talking point.

But Southgate underlined how important Winks is by making a telephone call which is far from the norm and the 23-year-old would be strong favourite to anchor England’s midfield in the forthcoming games.

Winks said: “It was difficult to watch the boys play and perform after the Champions League final and not be involved.

“But the manager called me and I totally respect and understand his decision and why he did it. All I can do is work hard and get back in the team.

“Gareth is always positive, he always gives his opinion and I always respect the manager’s decision.

Winks was called by Southgate as he was left out of the Nations League squad (Image: PA)

“England is something that is always in the back of my head. I want to be fit and selected for England, everybody wants to play for their country.

“But first and foremost it is about performing for Tottenham, improving for Tottenham and performances will warrant those call-ups and opportunities.”

Southgate does have injury concerns as Dele Alli has missed the start of the season and it would be hard to pick him if he has not played for Spurs.

There is also an issue at left back with Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw both injured while Ryan Bertrand missed out last weekend. It means Danny Rose could be the only fit option while John Stones has been missing for Manchester City .

Southgate could name an extra right back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka set for a call and Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kyle Walker in good form.

Southgate is a fan of Southampton keeper Angus Gunn and Sheffield United’s on-loan Dean Henderson and one of the two could get a call if he chooses four keepers in a bigger squad.

Mount is set to be rewarded for his impressive start to the season (Image: Catherine Ivill)